MMB8034 : Mitochondrial Biology & Medicine
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Joanna Elson
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Thomas Nicholls
- Lecturer: Dr Yi Ng, Professor Robert Hirt, Prof. Zofia Chrzanowska-Lightowlers, Dr Hugo De Sao Jose Martinho De Oliveira, Dr Oliver Russell, Dr Charlotte Alston, Dr Amy Vincent, Dr Tiago Bernardino Gomes, Dr Sarah Pickett, Prof. Robert Lightowlers, Dr Christin Albus, Professor Mary Herbert, Dr Uwe Richter, Professor Gavin Hudson, Dr Charlotte Warren, Professor Bobby McFarland, Dr Jane Stewart
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The module will provide detailed information on aspects of basic mitochondrial biology including the origins and essential functions of mitochondria, the maintenance and expression of the mitochondrial genome, and the metabolic processes in which mitochondria play a role. The module will also provide information on disease that results from mitochondrial dysfunction. This information will be informed by current research and the current state of knowledge in the field of mitochondrial biology.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module is designed to provide both a thorough understanding of human mitochondrial genetics; the maintenance, replication and segregation of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA); mtDNA transcription and intra-organellar translation; and appreciation of the metabolic processes that mitochondria are involved in; a detailed understanding of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and the underlying biochemistry; an understanding of the interplay and coordination of nuclear and mitochondrially encoded proteins that maintains a healthy organelle; and an appreciation of the disease states and contribution to ageing that can arise as a consequence of dysfunction in any of the above and the potential for therapeutics, as well as treatment to eliminate transmission of mtDNA encoded disorders.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Non-synchronous additional material online |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synchronous online: Lecture |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Synchronous online: Lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | Preparation for the essay (2000 word max) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Student Preparation Time for Graphical abstract for Assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Formative MCQ |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 34:00 | 34:00 | Making Notes and Reading from Lectures and other Sources |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in person (PIP): Tutorial on the potential of mitochondrial therapeutics |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Present in person (PIP): Seminars/Debates |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Reading and Reflective Learning |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Identifying relevant research papers that are not on the reading list or suggested in presentations |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Present in person (PIP): Intro to module and revision session |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Knowledge and understanding are gained from the lectures and workshop/group sessions.
Intellectual skills are developed in the completion of the coursework assessments.
Key (transferable skills – communication, literacy, critical appraisal) are developed by the coursework and practised in the assessments.
Comprehension and ability to discuss the subject knowledge critically will be developed in the essay and graphical abstract.
There is adequate time for reading and reflection built into the module and students will be guided (in lectures and seminars) to find appropriate and up-to-date sources as well as being encouraged to find their own sources for relevant information.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 30 | Set in Week 4, submit week 7. Graphical abstract of pre-selected paper |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 70 | Set in Week 6, submit week 9. 2000 word max essay to practice skills in succinctly summarising argument. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 1 hour MCQ - 50 questions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay tests the student’s knowledge base, comprehension, ability to discuss the subject knowledge critically, evaluation of scientific literature.
The graphical abstract tests application of knowledge, understanding and ability to critically evaluate and interpret research data. This is coupled with the ability to cogent visual explanations.
The MCQ allows the students to appreciate how much they have understood and taken in across the whole course.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8034's Timetable